856 ODS questions...

[TCP]

if anyone is familiar with the MCU/ODS damping units i have a few questions.  Having signed up a last minute replacement on our 24 hour race team this last weekend, he showed up with a proflex of unknown vintage(repainted and no stickers) that i think was an 856 because the frame looks exactly like Mike Farris' in the gallery:

http://idriders.com/cgi-bin/album_k2.pl?photo=mike_farris/proflex1.jpg

The rear shock however was had ODS written on it and had 2 yellow elastomers on it.  I told him i would check about converting it to a coil spring and the approximate cost of doing that.  any info/help on this would be greatly appreciated.  

BTW: the adrenaline series race in canmore was terrific this year with great weather and a course that was new and different than other years.

[Canuck]

Probably the best way to go for a coil shock is the Stratos Helix Expert which retails for $275 US.  Check out stratashock.com for details.  This is assuming the frame is an 856.

[Mike_Farris]

TC,

The Speed Spring kits were available from MountainSpeed for some time... but the last time I checked their website, they were no longer listed.  [smiley=disbelief.gif]

However, you can buy a spring from RDI: http://www.proflex.demon.co.uk/products/SPEED.html

Unfortunately, they're out of stock as well... but they're in the process of getting kits in. And if I remember correctly, they're going to have their own conversion springs made as opposed to selling the MountainSpeed parts.

As previously mentioned, there's always the option of going with a Stratos. If cash is a problem, you can buy a Risse cheaper, or cruise through eBay and see if you can find a cone-tail NR-2.

Hope this helps!  

[TCP]

to change this to a spring.  He spent $100 for the whole frame and calls it "black bastard" as it is painted black.  Will a regular coil spring fit in there?  i have a few sitting around in the 500-600lb weight category for a 1.5 inch stroke.  What weight spring would be appropriate for a 180lb rider?  thanks again.

[kiwi]

130-170 250 (SM) NB2-250X (14” NR-1 or NR-2)
160-200 300 (MD, LG) NB2-300X
190-230 350 (WB) NB2-350X
230 + 400 NB2-400X the often overlooked k2 spring chart
there is nothing special about the spring but 500 is way too stiff.You need a top hat adapter to allow for the fact that a 2 inch stroke spring will fit onto the ods the top hat adapter comes down over part of the preload collar and forms a bottom seat for the spring,,,not sure what happens at the top

[zulu]

I have a 856 with speed springs on it & a 350 spring. I am 6'3" and 220lbs. It performs well for my and out climbs many other bikes on the trails.
Get rid of the MCU's and pick up some springs for the ODS or a new shock (Stratos/Rissie) you will love the bike.  
[smiley=beer.gif] [smiley=beer.gif] [smiley=beer.gif]